New Committee, New Season, Same Wonderful Community Spirit!
Suzie Connors (Club PRO) Reports.
There is something very special about a sporting club that combines a passion for its game with a genuine sense of friendship, community and belonging. Thurles Squash Club is one such club, and with a flourishing membership of over 150 players, it is certainly making its mark on the sporting landscape of Thurles and beyond.
Located at Thurles Golf Club in Turtulla, this vibrant and welcoming club has been part of the local sporting community for over four decades. Over those years, it has developed a proud tradition of encouraging participation, nurturing talent and, perhaps most importantly, bringing people together through a shared love of squash.
One of the club’s greatest strengths is its wonderfully inclusive approach. Whether you are an experienced player, someone returning to the game after years away, or a complete beginner who has never held a squash racket, the welcome is exactly the same. There is a place for everyone at Thurles Squash Club!
Squash itself is a fantastic sport, offering an exhilarating combination of fitness, speed, skill and enjoyment. It provides a tremendous cardiovascular workout while also sharpening reflexes, coordination and concentration. But at Thurles, the benefits extend well beyond the squash court. Friendships are forged, laughter is shared, and a tremendous sense of camaraderie runs through the club. The facilities include two excellent squash courts, while coaching, challenge matches and tournaments offer players opportunities to develop their abilities and enjoy some friendly competition. The club has also built a proud reputation for encouraging young players, recognising that the future of any sporting organisation depends on inspiring the next generation.
A New Committee Takes the Helm. As the club embarks on another exciting season, a newly appointed committee is ready to build upon these strong foundations and help steer Thurles Squash Club towards an even brighter future. John Keane takes up the position of Chairman, bringing leadership and a commitment to the continued success of the club. Olivia Kennedy assumes the important role of Secretary, while Gerry Connaughton takes responsibility as Treasurer. Gerry is already a familiar and respected figure in Thurles squash circles, having contributed enormously to the development and coaching of young players over the years. Jamie Ryan steps into the role of Men’s Captain, while myself, Suzie Connors takes on the dual responsibilities of Ladies’ Captain and Public Relations Officer(PRO), helping to promote the club and spread the word about everything it has to offer.
Together, this enthusiastic committee will play a vital role in maintaining the club’s welcoming atmosphere, encouraging participation and ensuring that Thurles Squash Club continues to flourish. Of course, no successful club is built by committee members alone. Its strength lies in the dedication of its members, the generosity of volunteers and the countless individuals who contribute their time and energy to keeping the sporting spirit alive.
Why Not Become Part of Something Special? With over 150 members and a reputation for friendliness, enthusiasm and sporting enjoyment, Thurles Squash Club has every reason to look forward to yet another successful season. And to anyone contemplating taking up a new sport, improving their fitness or simply meeting new people, the message could not be clearer:- You don’t need experience. You don’t need to be an athlete. You simply need the willingness to give it a go!
The club welcomes players of all abilities, and there is no better time to discover the tremendous enjoyment that squash can bring. Congratulations and best wishes to Chairman John Keane and his fellow committee members as they begin their new term. Here’s to another fantastic season of great squash, great friendships and great sporting memories at Thurles Squash Club!
Thurles Squash Club – More than just a game, it’s a community. Everyone welcome!
Mrs Josephine “Josie” Ray, a mother of five, was found dead at her home in St Joseph’s Park on August 4th 2024.
Mr Hasan Ali Gori, aged 52, of no fixed abode, has pleaded not guilty to her murder. He appeared before the court with the assistance of an interpreter. Opening the prosecution’s case, Senior Counsel Mr Lorcan Connolly told the jury that Ms Ray was a lively and well-known local woman, who had lived with her daughter Mary since the 1980s.
The court heard that the accused had been in a relationship with Mary since 2014 and later moved into the family home. Prosecutors described tensions within the household in the days leading up to Ms Ray’s death. Ms Ray was reportedly last seen alive at approximately 2:00am on August 4, smoking outside her home. She was discovered dead in her bed later that morning.
The prosecution alleged that forensic evidence revealed DNA matching the accused beneath Ms Ray’s fingernails, suggesting a possible physical struggle. Mr Connolly told jurors that the cause of death was asphyxia resulting from pressure applied to her neck. The trial, before Mr Justice Seán Gillane, is expected to last four weeks.
The allegations have not been proven, and the trial continues.
Pre-deceased by his parents Paddy and Kitty, brother Tom, sister Josie, nephews Patrick, Thomas and Patrick; the passing of Mr Quinlan is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family, his children, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunt, nephews, nieces, extended relatives neighbours and friends.
The extended Quinlan family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Note Please: No flowers. Donations in lieu, if desired, to a charity of your choice.
Positive news for County Tipperary and communities across Ireland as the latest housing figures reveal a substantial increase in new residential construction activity during September 2026. According to the latest Department of Housing figures, commencement notices covering 101 new homes were submitted in County Tipperary during September, compared with just 39 in August and just 7 in September 2025. This represents a welcome improvement for the Premier County and an encouraging indication of renewed activity in the local housing sector. Of the 101 homes, 92 are part of larger housing schemes, while 9 are individual one-off houses. However, Tipperary is not alone in experiencing increased construction activity, with other counties also recording significant numbers of new housing commencements.
Housing Development Across Ireland The latest figures show that commencement notices covering 3,682 new homes were submitted nationwide during September 2026, compared with 1,656 during the same month last year; an increase of approximately 122%. A county-by-county examination highlights the scale of activity taking place across the country: Dublin: 1,902 new homes across the four Dublin local authority areas, including 1,247 in Dublin City and 390 in Fingal. Cork: 278 homes across Cork City and County. Meath: 272 new homes. Kerry: 132 new homes. Wexford: 120 new homes. Donegal: 113 new homes. Westmeath: 112 new homes. Waterford: 111 new homes. Tipperary: 101 new homes. Kildare: 95 new homes. Galway: 82 homes across the city and county. Limerick: 34 new homes.
These figures demonstrate that housing construction activity is not confined to Dublin and the larger urban centres. Regional counties are also contributing to Ireland’s future housing supply.
Encouraging Progress for Tipperary and Regional Communities For County Tipperary, the latest figures provide grounds for optimism. An increase from just 7 housing commencements in September 2025 to 101 in September 2026 represents a considerable improvement. It is especially encouraging to see larger residential schemes contributing to this activity, alongside individual homes. However, sustained progress is essential. Tipperary’s towns and rural communities need continued residential development to support population growth, local employment, economic investment and the long-term sustainability of essential services. More housing can also help young families remain in their home communities rather than being forced to relocate because suitable or affordable accommodation is unavailable. This is particularly important for regional counties, where balanced development must be a central part of national housing policy.
Housing Starts Are Welcome – But Completed Homes Matter Most While these figures are undoubtedly encouraging, it is important to recognise that housing commencement notices are an early indicator of construction activity rather than confirmation that homes have been completed. The real measure of success will be how effectively these developments translate into finished, affordable and accessible homes. Several important challenges remain. Affordability: New housing must be within reach of first-time buyers, working families, older people and those struggling to secure accommodation. Infrastructure: Housing developments must be supported by adequate water and wastewater services, roads, schools, transport and healthcare facilities. Regional Balance: Investment must extend beyond Dublin and the larger cities to ensure smaller towns and rural communities are not left behind. Delivery: Developments must progress from commencement notices through construction to completion without unnecessary delays. New homes must contribute to sustainable, well-connected communities where people can live, work and raise families.
Building Homes, Strengthening Communities and Securing Ireland’s Future The latest housing figures represent a positive development for Ireland, particularly when compared with the same period last year. The substantial increase in national commencements, together with encouraging activity in Tipperary and several other regional counties, offers hope that future housing supply can improve. Nevertheless, progress must be consistent, sustainable and focused on meeting real housing needs. Government, local authorities, housing bodies, developers and infrastructure providers all have important roles in ensuring that this momentum delivers meaningful results. For Tipperary, the latest figures are a welcome step forward, but continued investment and a sustained programme of housing delivery will be essential. Ultimately, the success of Ireland’s housing programme should not be judged simply by how many homes are announced or commenced, but by how many families and individuals finally receive the keys to a secure and affordable home. Ireland needs more homes in every county, stronger local communities and a housing system that provides realistic opportunities for future generations.
The progress is encouraging. The challenge now is to maintain the momentum and turn construction activity into completed homes and thriving communities throughout Ireland.
Serious questions must be asked about the distribution of newly qualified Gardaí and the continuing failure to provide additional policing resources for Thurles and its surrounding communities.
Two graduation ceremonies were held at the Garda College in Templemore on July 24th and October 16th 2026, producing a combined total of 413 newly qualified Gardaí.
According to official An Garda Síochána figures, those 413 Gardaí were allocated as follows: Dublin Metropolitan Region: 178 – (43.1%). Eastern Region: 132 – (31.9%). North Western Region: 58 – (14.0%). Southern Region: 45 – (10.9%). Yet, of these 413 new Gardaí, just 12 were allocated to County Tipperary – and only ONE to the Thurles District.
The breakdown for County Tipperary is particularly revealing. July 2026 – 206 Gardaí graduated: Tipperary Town: 4 Clonmel: 1 Nenagh District: 1 Thurles District: 1
October 2026 – 207 Gardaí graduated: Clonmel: 2 Nenagh: 2 Tipperary Town: 1 Thurles: ZERO
This means that across two graduation ceremonies at Templemore, 412 of the 413 newly qualified Gardaí were assigned elsewhere rather than to the Thurles District. Let there be no misunderstanding. Every part of Ireland deserves an adequately resourced Garda service, and this is not an argument against Gardaí being allocated to Dublin or any other region. However, the allocation of just one probationer Garda to the Thurles District from 413 graduates raises legitimate questions about whether the policing needs of Thurles and surrounding rural communities are receiving sufficient consideration.
Thurles is a substantial town serving an extensive rural hinterland. Its Gardaí must respond to the needs of residents, businesses, farms and communities across a wide geographical area. The Gardaí already serving in Thurles deserve our full support and recognition for the work they carry out, frequently under demanding circumstances. But how can we properly assess whether Garda resources are improving locally when we are not being provided with a clear account of retirements, transfers and actual staffing levels? An Garda Síochána has explained that allocations of probationer Gardaí can also facilitate transfers of experienced members between divisions. That is important, but it makes transparent reporting of actual station staffing levels all the more necessary.
The Government, Minister for Justice and Garda management should provide clear answers: How many Gardaí have retired, resigned or transferred out of Thurles during the past 12 months? How many Gardaí are actually serving in the Thurles District today compared with previous years? How many experienced Gardaí have transferred into the district? Why was Thurles allocated only one probationer Garda from the July and October graduation ceremonies combined? What plans exist to increase policing resources for Thurles and its surrounding rural communities?
National recruitment announcements are welcome. Indeed, the graduation of 413 new Gardaí is a positive development for policing nationally. But recruitment success must ultimately be measured by whether communities see sufficient Gardaí available locally, not simply by the number graduating from Templemore. For Thurles, there is a particular irony in seeing hundreds of new Gardaí graduate just a short distance away, while the district receives only one direct allocation from these two ceremonies. This situation deserves proper scrutiny, clear explanations and a commitment to ensuring that Thurles receives adequate policing resources. 413 newly qualified Gardaí. 12 allocated to County Tipperary. Just ONE allocated to the Thurles District.
Surely the people of Thurles are entitled to ask:Is this an adequate allocation for our town and its surrounding communities?
Perhaps Mr Michael Lowry TD and Mr Ryan O’Meara TD, both might like to explain this obvious discrepancy and neglect of their Thurles electorate.
Thurles deserves answers and a properly resourced Garda service.
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